Organic compounds present in aqueous solutions can be analyzed directly using a quadruple ion trap detector (ITD) when the solution is introduced via a hollow fiber membrane probe. The flow-through configuration used for sample introduction allows the aqueous solution to flow through the capillary membrane tubing while the organic compounds which selectively permeate the membrane are ionized in the ion source. In this mode of operation, the instrument shows high sensitivity. Chemical ionization mass spectra for a set of ten organic compounds of environmental interest were recorded and the ITD/membrane system was found to consistently allow detection of part-per-billion (ppb) levels of tbese compounds directly from water without any preconcentration. Analysis of well water samples containing ppb to part-per-million levels of organics was demonstrated using the ITD/membrane system. The combination of the membrane probe and ion trap produces a compact, inexpensive, rapid and sensitive system for environmental analysis. The flow-through membrane configuration was also used with a direct insertion probe in a triple quadrupole. Detection limits in the ppb range for organic compounds in water were measured. Detection of particular compounds in complex matrices was demonstrated by detection of 10 ppb 2-methoxypyridine in a fermentation medium using a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer.